EVALUATION OF THE SOIL COMPACTION CAUSED BY PASSAGES OF FORWARDER

Forest practices such as site preparations and harvesting tend to induce soil compaction and reduce soil organic matter. Soil compaction results from the mechanized methods of tree removal. Soil compaction alters soil structure and consequently the rate of nutrient and water movement from soil matrix to the plant roots. The soil compaction increased the bulk density, and therefore, reduced the pore space of the soil. Consequently, the reduced porosity decreased the total water holding capacity of the soil in general and in particular, the amount of water that can be used by the plants. Understanding these changes is important to the management of forest for long-term sustainability. The effects of forestry operations on soil compaction have been investigated by studying the changes in bulk density. Forwarders are extraction machines that carry a load of logs completely off the ground, either within their own frame or on a trailer; therefore, they typically cause less soil damage than ground-skidding equipment. The effects of the passage of forwarder on soil have been studied in Calabria region (Southern Italy). These machines are heavy and the risk for rutting and soil compaction can be considerable under unfavorable soil conditions. To determine the effect of passage of forwarder on soil bulk density, soil samples were taken from trail locations within the site. The aim of this study is to present the preliminary results in the changes in soil characteristics and of soil compaction.